Last year I started putting together a book of my work, primarily to serve as a portfolio. It has become more than that, as I’ve included some short essays on my attitude to this art. I’ve now completed the first draft and edit, and am letting it sit and contemplate its future for a while, before I go back again with the editor’s glaring eye.
Here is a selection of pages from the book; click each one for a larger version. Any comments (positive or negative) will be appreciated. The book might never be for anything other than my own consumption, but I’m treating the exercise as if it were a serious publication – notwithstanding the fact that I’m doing it without external help.
The format is 12″×12″; I wanted it large enough to be useful as a portfolio, and to be able to present vertical and horizontal images equally well. Currently it is about 100 pages, so plenty of pics in there. The Blurb pricing allows me up to 120 pages in this price band, so I may yet add a few more.
ragman
Well done Duncan, you beat me to it (I’ve been hankering after doing the exact same thing for about five years; to be able to present vertical and horizontal images equally is absolutely the right choice
every success with it
Duncan Waldron:
Thanks David. I’m not there yet, and with some judicious procrastination it could be the solstice before I declare it finished! I’d like to see your own work presented in book form, having drawn inspiration from it in the past :)
ragman
I like the presentation as it suits your images and script as well
Duncan Waldron:
Merci :D
C.C. Arshagra
I support and deeply admire this. very beauiful design, lay-out, cover and title. no time for more than these words now. Do keep me posted on your dreams manifestation! I personally like the chioce to add your words too; a publisher? Depends. Due to costs, I would not send it anyone who is not looking for it!
Duncan Waldron:
Many thanks for your kind comments, C.C. I’ve certainly striven for a balance between simplicity and overall visual appeal. I’m not intending to pursue normal avenues of publication, just print-on-demand for my own use. Nonetheless, it will be available for purchase by anyone interested.
TangerineMeg
It looks beautiful! Well done…
I understand the need to let things ‘percolate’ for a while, so you can have a bit more perspective when you come back and look again :)
Duncan Waldron:
Thanks Meg :) SElf-editing presents its own challenges, and a break in the process is fairly vital.
Briar Richard
Hi, Duncan. You’re a very good writer and obviously a good photographer, so there’s really no better expression of your talents than a photo-essay book. I’ve been mulling over assembling a lunar/solar book of the same format, so your endeavor is inspiring to me. Life is too short…Go for it!
My only suggestion would be to supply captains for as many of your pictures as possible. Pictures are worth a thousand words, and good pictures are probably worth even more, but often there’s an interesting story behind a photo that needs to be told. Or maybe just a few sentences that provide a frame of reference for your reader/viewer. That’s my mantra, for what it’s worth.
Best of luck!
Duncan Waldron:
Thanks Briar – appreciate the vote of confidence :D
Your suggestion of captions is a good one, though I don’t want to do it by each image. I have refered to some images with more info on the page opposite, where there is a passage of text, but I’m also thinking of putting in an index, which might be the best way to provide captions. Cheers!